Asbestos

1
Asbestos

• Gordon Institute of TAFE

2
Introduction

• History of asbestos use
• Types of asbestos
• Common applications
• Health effects
• Handling and storage

3
A History of Controversy
4
Why did they use it?

• Does not react with acids
• Heat resistant
• Cheap and abundant
• Easily transported
• Great insulator
• No known health problems

5
Types of Asbestos

• Chrysotile (white) Amosite (brown)

Crocidolite (blue)
6
Processing

• Non-friable rocks of asbestos are pulverised and
  woven to suit application

7
Common Applications

• Building products
• Insulation
• Fire retardant coatings
• Furniture
• Break pads
• Circuit boards

8
Cigarette advertising 1952 54. Filters used
crocidolite asbestos.
9
Health Effects

1. Fibres are inhaled
2. Bodys natural defenses (macrophage) attempt to
   destroy
3. Asbestos fibres rupture macrophage, spilling
   acids
4. Lung walls, alveoli, are scarred

Diseases Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and
Mesotheliomas It usually takes 15 40 years for
asbestos related illness to emerge
10
Employer Obligations

• IDENTIFY RECORD
• the location of the asbestos,
• the type of asbestos-containing material
• the nature of the material (friable or
  non-friable)
• the likelihood of the material posing a health
  risk
• any work activities that may affect or cause
  deterioration to the material

11
Employer Obligations

• CONTROL THE RISK
• Employers and people who manage or control a
  workplace where asbestos is present must
  eliminate any risk associated with the asbestos
  by removing it.
• If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate
  the risk, they must reduce the risk as far as
  reasonably practicable, by
• enclosing the material and
• if a risk still remains, sealing the material
• Employers have a duty to consult employees and
  health and safety representatives when
  identifying hazards and deciding on control
  measures.